Emirates Says No Carry-On Bags

Airlines around the world are scrambling to convince passengers that it’s safe to fly in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. Earlier this week UK based EasyJet announced plans to leave middle seats empty, now UAE’s main airline Emirates is banning almost all carry-on baggage on board its aircraft. 

The first in a series of steps designed to reduce the risk of spreading the virus by touch, the airline says carry-on bags will be limited to a laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items only. All other bags will have to be checked in and will be added to the customers’ check-in baggage allowance.

The UAE banned all flights in March and during that time all Emirates operations were suspended. As of early April, the airline started running a limited service in efforts to fly people to their home countries and earlier this week they announced they would continue to do so until at least 1 July. 

With limited operations resuming the airlines other steps to prevent the virus spreading include requiring all passengers to wear gloves and masks for the duration of their journey, from the moment they check in to the moment they alight. All crew coming into direct contact will passengers will also be required to wear personal protective equipment. 

In addition to the above, all seats will be pre-allocated prior to boarding to ensure there are vacant seats between passengers.